House

MossRoad · Mar 1, 2002

RJ11 connectors work in RJ45 jacks quite well. The only other things I would suggest is to number each jack at the wall plate and the patch bay, and stick with the B wiring spec for CAT5. We run our own CAT5 at work and do all the termination ourselves. It is not too bad if you take your time and don't un-twist the wires more than needed. Also, I agree with spending the money on a good punchdown tool and a good RJ45 crimper. The $10.00 ones just get frustrating after a while.

MDNY · Mar 9, 2002

RobS, where are the latest photo's on the project?

Moss, since we are going with a new builder in talking with him he flat out said that his electrician can do some of the premise wiring I need, but to be honest I would be best to have it done by a third party. I appreciated the honesty and called a contact my friend gave me in my area. I have a meeting next friday to discuss the Voice, Video, Data, Audio etc. Also he does the Panasonic phone systems, that are the multi wireless sets and can connect into a speaker box at the entrance doors. This way you can find out who is there before you get there.

I hope to have our numbers finalized in the next two weeks and off to the bank. The old builder was not happy with the job loss, BUT, it was due to their lack of performance that caused it.

MossRoad · Mar 10, 2002

Wow, an honest answer. That's pretty good.

RobS · Mar 10, 2002

MDNY, nothing picture worthy of lately on the new house. Still lots of mud, though it may be frozen today. The foundation is in and they are supposed to begin framing this week. I'll be sure to post more as it progresses /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

MDNY · Mar 19, 2002

RobS,

Glad to hear all is going muddy well out there. Finishing up here and meeting the builder to cover final numbers on Saturday. The bank next week and with any good luck we will be moving dirt in about 3-4 weeks. Have site clearing to do first. Hope to be done by September.

Good luck and I will look for photo's. Oh and the new builder is coming in just about the same as the old builder in numbers, but alot more follow through and value. Good lighting budget and a poured foundation and drain tile that meets my standards. The standards by the way are I am getting a drain tile. The other builder tried telling me they had an alternate system.

RobS · Mar 20, 2002

Sounds like you're back on track with your building project MDNY. Glad to hear that. Today I've got the camera with me so I should post some photos of our progress tonight /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

RobS · Mar 22, 2002

First Floor Deck

Here's the progress on our house today. The framers got all the joists in place and about 3/4 of the deck sheathing. It's pretty cool walking on what will be our first floor. It's very high. The house is a Queen Anne victorian and we've raised the whole thing above grade quite a bit to get the porch well above the ground. Our land is essentially flat, so the first floor is already the highest spot in the immediate area. Makes it hard to get a photo to show it all. We should have walls next week /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

JJT · Mar 22, 2002

Re: First Floor Deck

What's up with your construction crew? There's still daylight and plenty a subfloor to be laid? Crack that whip! It's too early in the project to be letting them slack off.

RobS · Mar 22, 2002

Re: First Floor Deck

<font color=blue>Crack that whip! </font color=blue>

Hey, it's Friday. Besides, I'd stopped for a cold one on my way home too, so I guess they deserve some time off.

That does bring up an interesting point. I read on the Fine Homebuilding forum that a lot of contractors might appreciate a thermos of homemade soup or something every now and then. We figure we're going to be "living with" this framing crew for the next 8 weeks or so and we've been thinking of ways to show appreciation and encourage high quality without offending or patronizing. We are going to put a picnic table out there (with a trash can) and the occasional donut/cookie delivery. Any one have good ideas on ways to "connect" with the crews? We've already met the lead framer and a couple of his guys. Seemed very nice and equally pleased to meet us /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

MReeter · Mar 22, 2002

Re: First Floor Deck

Rob,Good idea to "pamper" your boys a bit.Most of the time I was not around during the day,but I always tried to show up by quiting time with some "ice cold" refreshments.When I did happen to be off work and at the project,I would try to grill some burgers and brat for lunch.We had a good time and I think the guys appreciated the effort.